Tyler O’Neill gives Red Sox fans reason to celebrate, according to the Cardinals general manager
In order to fill the outfield slot that Red Sox Nation has grown accustomed to Alex Verdugo occupying, the Boston Red Sox acquired Tyler O’Neill.
However, many fans are dubious about O’Neill’s abilities as a player in general and at the plate after his 2023 performance. John Mozeliak, O’Neill’s former general manager, tried to allay some of those worries.
“He’s extremely gifted,” Mozeliak remarked. “This is a man who, only a few years ago, was receiving votes for MVP on the upper ballot. He needs to perform as well as be able to maintain his health. But he is, in my opinion, a truly gifted man.
O’Neill has a history of dominance in Major League Baseball, but in 2023, he and the Cardinals team had a poor season. He has won two Gold Gloves, and in the 2021 MVP voting, he came in eighth. He had 15 stolen bags, 80 RBI, and 34 home runs that year. He was ranked in the 86th percentile by Baseball Savant for outs above average, 90th for arm strength, and 98th for sprint speed.
Tyler O’Neill could provide the Red Sox with much-needed spark
On both ends of the ball, O’Neill is already impressing during Boston’s spring training matches. He went 1-for-2 with a walk and a run scored against the Phillies, and he has been playing excellent defence in the outfield that JetBlue Park’s version of Fenway looks like.
Additionally, he has avoided striking out, which is a major grievance for O’Neill. After recording 67 strikeouts in 72 games in the previous season, he has yet to record a strikeout in his five spring training plate appearances.
O’Neill’s alert defence has earned praise from manager Alex Cora. For the time being, he has O’Neill positioned in left field to help him get the feel of fielding against the Monster, but it’s unclear where he’ll play most of the regular season. Depending on who makes the Opening Day roster—particularly if Ceddanne Rafaela, who Cora has already stated could start in centre field for the team—his position could change.
O’Neill could provide Boston with the right-handed power the team was looking for this offseason if he returns to his 2021 form. O’Neill could be a spark plug if he can work his way into the Sox rotation after posting a season with more than thirty home runs. It looks like he’s already got going.
